Other Issues

In Arizona the governor vetoed a requirement that universities set aside incentive funding for a new performance bonus plan-an issue that may emerge in the next session.

Legislation continues Arizona's participation in WICHE to 2008.

New Mexico's governor line-item vetoed funding that would have strengthened the authority of the Commission on Higher Education to conduct statewide planning and program review and to develop and publish accountability reports for postsecondary education.

Under new legislation, the New Mexico Works Act specifies welfare benefits. Postsecondary education alone is not a work activity sufficient to quality for welfare benefits. Participants in postsecondary education (even full-time) or job skills training must also engage in another work activity at the same time. Financial aid "for costs and tuition" is exempted from income eligibility determination for welfare benefits.

Utah approved a sales tax exemption for amounts paid for admission to athletic events at higher education institutions; savings will support women's athletics.

Legislation in Washington established the Advanced College Tuition Payment Program, with funding to implement the start-up phase.

The Wyoming legislature again debated deferred maintenance and American with Disabilities Act funding; the University of Wyoming received $2 million out of $10.5 million recommended by the governor.